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‘Introduction to Parliament’ collapsed timetable half day for 11-14 aged studentsCreate a UK Parliament themed collapsed timetable day using the following activities and resources.ActivityApproximate durationLocationStudents/GroupsStaff nameSession 1Introduction to the dayOverview of Parliament and representation in the UK20 minutesMain Hall120 Session 2Explore the Houses of ParliamentLearn about the House of LordsUnderstand the work of an MP40 minutesComputer rooms 30Session 3Debating skills(You could begin this session before break and continue afterwards)120 minutesClassrooms30These sessions are interchangeable – after the first session, half the cohort could start session 2 and half start session 3.Session 1 Introduction to the dayAll staff and students should meet in a communal area, for example the main school hall. The event leader should then introduce and explain the purpose and structure of the day using the ‘Introduction to Parliament’ PowerPoint.Overview of Parliament and representation in the UKAs a group, watch two short videos to introduce the theme: A brief history of representationHow Parliament works in nearly 60 secondsPlease note: videos require the use of YouTube.Session 2Explore the Houses of ParliamentLet students explore some of Parliament’s most famous rooms using the virtual tour. parliament.uk/virtualtourAsk students to navigate to the House of Commons Chamber and explain that this is where MPs meet to debate important issues and where the main business of the day takes place.Now ask them to navigate to the House of Lords Chamber and explain that this is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the Government. Members spend more than half their time in the House considering Bills (draft laws).Learn about the House of LordsPlay the ‘What is the House of Lords’ video to build understanding of the purpose of the House of Lords. parliament.uk/whatlordsThen play the ‘Who is in the House of Lords’ video to look at the role and work of members of the House of Lords. parliament.uk/wholords Ask students what they already know about the Lords beforehand and see if their opinions change after the video. Ask them how Peers are nominated and appointed into the House of Lords to check their understanding.Understand the work of an MP Use the ‘What is the House of Commons’ video to explore the history, role, work and membership of the Commons. parliament.uk/houseofcommons-what Now use the MP for a Week game to build students’ understanding of the role of an MP. parliament.uk/MPforaweekThis game highlights the value and range of the work of MPs. Students are scored according to the decisions they make, giving them a real virtual taste of life as an MP.Session 3Debating skillsUse the Create the Debate resource to develop understanding of how different types of debate work and practise debating skills with students.The pack includes suggested debate topics, tips for improving debating skills and further information about the procedure for carrying out debates at the Houses of Parliament. parliament.uk/school-debating-pack Adapting the dayYou can add to the sessions on the day or include your own sessions if you have time in your programme. The activities also all work well as stand-alone sessions with a single class.Here are some further suggested resources that are suitable for the ‘An introduction to Parliament’ themed collapsed timetable day.Further resourcesResource typeApproximate timingsLoan box (Please note: This resource is for one group so carousel structure may be required for all students to access)Ordered pack60Elections and votingWhiteboard120How the House of Lords worksLesson Plan120Run a mock electionWhiteboard60What is the House of Commons?Videos15What is the House of Lords?Lesson Plan60People and ParliamentLesson Plan60 x 2DIY lawsLesson Plan60 x 2History of Parliamentary Democracy timelineWhiteboard60There are also a variety of other resources, covering a range of different topics, available at parliament.uk/education. ................
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